After a good night of sleep I woke up in more rain falling on the tent. It was not so strong but drying clothes was impossible. So packing things took some extra time. But it was nice to have a cup of tea and a chat with the other campers. The rain stopped finally but the sky was covered by dark clouds.

The roads were very good from morning to lunch in Salisbury. I managed to exchange my Jersey pounds to British pounds without problems and I even found a bike shop that made some spokes fitting for the wheel. But unfortunately they used different screws so I will have to take the wheel and the tire off sometimes. I went on pretty happy about the money and the spokes but then I came close to Stonehenge. I saw a road on my map which was getting there but for some reason, the farmers in England don’t want that people walk on there field roads. So my road was blocked and not an easy way to get around. This ment taking the bags of the bike, and carry everything over separately. After this annoying stop I went on a terrible gravel road the last kilometers to Stonehenge. I didn’t get close because didn’t want to leave my bike behind nor was I willed to pay the entrance fee. But I took a picture from a distance at least.

Then I left the area on another terrible gravel road (it was this or the highway, as usual) and finally back on the main road. What I didn’t know was that I went into military area now. I saw a less busy road and asked some soldiers if I can take it with the bike even though it says the road is blocked because of military exercise. They said “yes, it’s open” and I went on my way. So after 8km over steep hills, the road was closed for every civilian anyway.. So back to the town over a – this time not closed- field path. There I asked some old ladies how I get out of the town without using the main road. They told me there is no other way. So there I went again. Over the main road with heavy traffic and “tank crossing” signs everywhere.
Soon it started to rain again. Then I reached the town where I hoped to find a place for the night (Trowbridge). I stopped at the information center to ask for Bed and Breakfast places and I got a list of offers. I called some of them but they were all booked out except one which would have been 70 pounds. So campsite again. The only one more or less on the way was at the freaking main road of course. So after almost 90 (partly very annoying) kilometers I paid 12 pounds for a simple spot plus 50 pence for a shower. Internet for two hours would be 3 pounds extra.. So the blog has to wait another day. Crazy prices in England!
So in total, this day started well but ended pretty bad. Tomorrow I should reach the Eurovelo through Wales starting in Bristol and then I hope for better roads finally! My impression so far is that this country just doesn’t like cyclists. And a day without rain would be very welcome.
On the other hand, the people here are always super nice when I talk to them and it is good to be able to communicate without problems finally.